How to create great characters for a story

Creating great characters is one of the most important aspects of writing a successful novel. Characters are the heart of any story and can make or break the reader's engagement. As an author starting out, there are several things you can do to create compelling characters that will resonate with your readers.

Firstly, it's important to create characters that are well-rounded and multi-dimensional. Characters should have strengths and weaknesses, flaws and quirks, and a unique personality that sets them apart from other characters in the story. This will help readers connect with them on a deeper level and make them more relatable.

Think how much we know about someone because of what we see, hear, smell, and experience in their company? Your reader wants to get to know your characters in the same way.

Next, think about what motivates your characters. What are their goals, desires, and fears? What drives them to do the things they do? Understanding your characters' motivations will help you create a more believable and compelling story.

Another key aspect of writing great characters is to make them dynamic. Characters should change and grow throughout the course of the story, learning from their experiences and evolving as people. This will keep readers invested in their journey and provide a satisfying sense of character development.

When it comes to bringing characters to life, it's important to show rather than tell. Instead of simply describing a character's appearance or personality, show them in action and let their actions speak for themselves. Use dialogue, body language, and internal thoughts to reveal their true nature and create a sense of authenticity.

Here are some helpful tips and exercises for creating well-rounded characters that readers will love.

1. Understand Your Character's Motivations

One of the key components of creating a great character is understanding their motivations. What drives them to do what they do? What are their goals and desires? Understanding your character's motivations will help you create a believable and compelling character that readers can connect with. Start by asking yourself some questions about your character:

• What is their ultimate goal in life?
• What are their fears and insecurities?
• What drives them to succeed?
• What is their moral code?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?

2.    Create a Backstory

Creating a backstory for your character is another important aspect of character development. A backstory is a detailed history of your character's life, from their childhood to the present day. A well-developed backstory can help you understand your character's motivations and personality, and create a more realistic and nuanced character.

To create a backstory, consider the following:

• Where was your character born?
• What was their childhood like?
• What were their parents like?
• Did they experience any trauma or significant events that shaped their personality?

3.    Use Character Profiles

A character profile is a tool that writers use to help develop their characters. It's a document that outlines all the important details about a character, including their appearance, personality, background, and motivations. Creating a character profile can help you keep track of all the details about your character and ensure consistency throughout your writing.

When creating a character profile, consider the following:

• Name and age
• Appearance (hair, eyes, body type, clothing)
• Personality traits (likes, dislikes, fears, strengths, weaknesses)
• Backstory (family, childhood, education, career)
• Motivations and goals

4.    Use Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are exercises that can help inspire you and get your creative juices flowing. They can also help you develop your characters by forcing you to think about their actions and motivations in different scenarios. Here are a few examples of writing prompts for character development:

• Write a scene where your character faces their greatest fear.
• Write a scene where your character is forced to make a difficult decision.
• Write a scene where your character meets someone from their past.

5.    Use Character Archetypes

Character archetypes are a set of universal, symbolic characters that can be found in many different stories. They are based on common human traits and behaviors and can be a helpful tool for creating well-rounded and believable characters. Here are a few examples of character archetypes:

• The Hero: Brave, noble, and self-sacrificing
• The Villain: Evil, manipulative, and power-hungry
• The Mentor: Wise, experienced, and nurturing
• The Sidekick: Loyal, supportive, and dependable
• The Rebel: Nonconformist, independent, and free-spirited

6.    Use Dialogue and Body Language

Dialogue and body language are powerful tools for revealing your character's personality and motivations. Pay attention to the way your character speaks and moves, and use these details to create a sense of authenticity and depth.

When writing dialogue, consider the following:

• Is your character's speech pattern formal or informal?
• What is their tone of voice?
• Do they use slang or jargon?
• How do they express themselves?

When describing body language, consider the following:

• How does your character stand or sit?
• Do they cough, or sniff, or scratch when nervous?
• How do they hold their body? (Hunched, chin up, chest out, etc?)
• What is their walk like, do they have any physical habits?

Don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with your characters. Try putting them in unexpected situations, exploring different facets of their personality, and challenging them in new ways. This will keep your story fresh and interesting, and help you create characters that are truly memorable.

In summary, creating great characters is essential for writing a successful novel. To do so, you should strive to create well-rounded, multi-dimensional characters with clear motivations, dynamic personalities, and the ability to grow and evolve throughout the story. By showing rather than telling, taking risks, and experimenting with your characters, you can bring them to life and create a story that resonates with readers.